Here's a nice little comparison of using carbon fiber molded to save weight in a race car ... or simply for the cosmetic look of carbon fiber. To save weight, no use even going there today. Way too many steps and disciplines involved. So lets just deal with "real" or "faux" carbon fiber for the look (which is pretty cool). Now the really easy way is to do either Plasti-Dip or Dupli-color as either requires just a couple steps to get the "look". To "skin" carbon fiber on a part requires considerable effort (and patience). So first let's look at "skinning" carbon fiber twill weave on a part..
Carbon Fiber can be plain, Twill Weave or Satin Weave and dry or wet. There are several skinning kits available in the $100.00 plus range. Then there is the DIY $35.00 solution. There are a number of patterns of carbon fiber, so trying to say one is better than another is simply a taste thing. Now we are not using a form and making panels here...we are simply doing some cosmetic face lifts to a street car, but if you are really into "the real deal", here is how you get the "real deal".
AMT Composites ... just an example
1. Clean completely
2. Abrade the surface (120 grit)
3. Base Coat:
: Adhesive base coat (black resin)
: Resin and hardener (100: 33)
: Apply with laminating brush...even smooth thin coat and dry 80%4
4. Shape Carbon Fiber slightly larger (work from center outwards)
5. Dry completely then trim excess
6.Top Coat:Resin (purple)
7. 1st Coat: Thinly saturate (matte)
8. 2nd Coat: Mix fresh batch...thin coat
9 3rd Coat:as 2nd except leave resin a little above (so you can smooth out later) 12 hours
10.Flattening and smoothing 220 wet sand
11. Dry and sand with 1500 grit
12 Clear Laquer or polishing cream
Done deal
If you want the look without the rest I've found the best for me is the Dupli-Color Carbon Fiber Kit.
1. Prime it
2. 2 coats of base coat (light):ten minutes between
3. Walmart (or their) template laid tight to the area. One hour.
4.Top coat: 2 wet coats back to back (no dry)
5. pull the template and put a clear coat over
Done deal